CN103969995B

CN103969995B - Replaceable unit and image forming apparatus incorporating the same

Info

Publication number: CN103969995B
Application number: CN201410039176.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小田幸良
Original assignee: Oki Data Corp
Current assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-01-31
Filing date: 2014-01-27
Publication date: 2019-12-27
Anticipated expiration: 2034-01-27
Also published as: US20140212151A1; US9134674B2; JP5820403B2; CN103969995A; EP2762982A1; EP2762982B1; JP2014149341A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a replaceable unit, and an image forming apparatus incorporating the replaceable unit. The replaceable unit is removably insertable into the device. The mounting detection plate (60) has a first edge (L1), a second edge (L2), a third edge (L3), and a fourth edge (L4). The first edge (L1) is located on a side of the mounting detection plate (60) opposite the second edge (L2). The third edge (L3) is located on a side of the mounting detection plate (60) opposite the fourth edge (L4). The replaceable unit has a body (41a), and a first positioning portion (88) and a second positioning portion (89) are formed in the body (41 a). The first and second detents are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the replaceable unit such that the first detent (88) abuts the first edge (L1) and the second detent (89) abuts the second edge (L2). The retainer (87, 287) is mounted to the body (41a) and abuts at least one of the third edge (L3) and the fourth edge (L4) to prevent movement of the mounting detection plate (60) relative to the body (41 a).

Description

Replaceable unit and image forming apparatus incorporating the same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a replaceable unit, an image forming apparatus incorporating the replaceable unit, and a method for attaching a member to the replaceable unit.

Background

An electrophotographic color printer is one of existing image forming apparatuses including a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile machine. The image forming units for images of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan are detachably attached to the body of the printer, and are aligned in order. The charging roller uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum with respect to each image forming unit. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) head irradiates the charged surface of the photoconductive drum according to print data to form an electrostatic latent image on the charged surface. The developing roller supplies a developer material of a corresponding color to the electrostatic latent image to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image of the corresponding color.

Subsequently, when the sheet advances through the corresponding image forming unit, toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the sheet by transfer rollers from the photoconductive drum in registration one after another to form a complete color toner image on the sheet.

With the printer of the foregoing configuration, the image forming unit is a replaceable part. When the photoconductive drum, the charging roller, the developing roller, and other parts in the image forming unit reach their end of life, or when the toner in the toner container of the image forming unit is exhausted, the image forming unit is replaced.

If the printer is configured such that toner cartridges are detachably attached to corresponding image forming units, each toner cartridge is also a replaceable unit that is replaced with a new, unused one when the toner is exhausted.

The printer is equipped with a mounting detection section so that, upon replacement of the replaceable unit, such as the image forming unit and the toner cartridge, a check is made to determine whether the replaceable unit has been attached properly, and various information items including the type of the replaceable unit are obtained. For example, the mounting detection section takes the form of a circuit board on which the memory is mounted. The circuit board is mounted on the replaceable unit by being inserted into a recess formed in the replaceable unit. One such device is disclosed in Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2007-271895.

However, the prior art device has the pocket portion combined with the rib, which prevents the circuit board from being easily pulled out. The user needs to insert the circuit board into the recess by deforming the ribs. This results in an inefficient mounting operation of the circuit board.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to address the deficiencies of the prior art devices and to provide a replaceable unit that simplifies and improves the installation of the mounting detection plate.

The replaceable unit is removably insertable into the device. The mounting detection plate (60) has a first edge (L1), a second edge (L2), a third edge (L3), and a fourth edge (L4). The first edge (L1) is located on a side of the mounting detection plate (60) opposite the second edge (L2). The third edge (L3) is located on the side opposite the fourth edge (L4) to which the detection plate (60) is mounted. The replaceable unit has a body (41a), and a first positioning portion (88) and a second positioning portion (89) are formed in the body (41 a). The first and second detents are aligned in a first direction such that the first detent (88) abuts the first edge (L1) and the second detent (89) abuts the second edge (L2). A retainer (87, 287) is mounted on the body (41a) and abuts at least one of the third edge (L3) and the fourth edge (L4) to prevent movement of the mounting detection plate (60) relative to the body (41 a).

A method for mounting a circuit board in a recess formed in a replaceable unit, the circuit board including a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, a fourth edge, and an electronic component mounted on the circuit board, the method comprising:

inserting the circuit board into the recess, wherein the first edge and the second edge abut against a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion formed in a peripheral portion of the recess, respectively; and

inserting the circuit board further into the recess in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are aligned, the circuit board being inserted until the third edge enters below a third positioning portion formed in a peripheral portion of the recess;

the retainer is mounted into the recess such that the retainer abuts the fourth edge and a portion of the major surface, the circuit board near the fourth edge being below the retainer.

Further scope and applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates how a mounting detection plate is mounted to a toner cartridge;

fig. 2 shows an external appearance of a printer according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows an outer shape of an image forming unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the printer;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a first perspective view of a toner cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge;

FIG. 8 is a first perspective view of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 10 is a first perspective view of the cartridge and cartridge support unit when the cartridge has been supported on the cartridge support unit;

FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge and the cartridge support unit when the toner cartridge has been supported on the cartridge support unit;

fig. 12 is a first perspective view showing the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit when the toner cartridge has been completely inserted into the receiving space;

fig. 13 is a second perspective view showing the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit when the toner cartridge has been completely inserted into the accommodating space;

fig. 14 is a first perspective view showing the toner cartridge and the drive gear when the toner cartridge is inserted into the receiving space;

fig. 15 is a second perspective view showing the toner cartridge and the drive gear of the drive source when the toner cartridge has been inserted into the accommodating space;

FIG. 16A shows the drive gear and other gears after they have been moved into meshing engagement with one another;

FIG. 16B shows the drive gear and other gears before they have been moved into meshing engagement with one another;

fig. 17 is a first perspective view of a holder according to the first embodiment;

fig. 18 is a second perspective view of the holder;

FIG. 19 illustrates a relevant portion of a toner cartridge;

FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 19;

fig. 20B is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between the mounting detection plate, the positioning member, and the concave portion;

fig. 20C shows the size of the mounting detection plate;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22A is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22B is a portion of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 22C is a fragmentary view of the toner cartridge showing the positional relationship between the mounting detection plate, the positioning member, the holder, and the recess;

FIG. 23 is a first perspective view illustrating a method for installing the mounting detection plate;

FIG. 24 is a second perspective view illustrating a method for installing the mounting detection plate;

FIG. 25 is a third perspective view illustrating a method for installing the mounting detection plate;

FIG. 26 is a fourth perspective view illustrating a method for installing the mounting detection plate;

fig. 27 is a first view showing the insertion restriction member;

fig. 28 is a second view showing the insertion restriction member;

fig. 29 is a third view showing the insertion restriction member;

FIG. 30 is a fourth view showing the insertion limiter;

fig. 31 is a fifth view showing the insertion restriction member;

FIG. 32 is a first view of a first engagement of a toner cartridge and a toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 33 is a second view of the first engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 34 is a third view of the first engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 35 is a fourth view of the first engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 36 is a first view of a second engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 37 is a second view of the second engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 38 is a third view of the second engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 39 is a fourth view of the second engagement of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit;

fig. 40 is a first view showing the contact when the front end of the toner cartridge reaches the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

fig. 41 is a second view showing the contact when the front end of the toner cartridge starts to climb up the contact;

FIG. 42 is a third view showing the contacts when the front end of the toner cartridge has climbed over the contacts;

fig. 43 is a fourth view showing the contact when the front end of the toner cartridge is further advanced to the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

fig. 44 is a fifth view showing the contact when the front end of the toner cartridge has fully reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

fig. 45 shows a toner cartridge supporting unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a third embodiment;

fig. 47 is a first view showing a contact when a toner cartridge is in the vicinity of the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit according to the third embodiment;

fig. 48 is a second view showing the contact deformed when the toner cartridge is further advanced toward the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

fig. 49 is a third view showing the contact when the toner cartridge has fully reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit;

FIG. 50 is a first perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 51 is a second perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 52 is a first perspective view of a toner cartridge supporting unit according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 53 is a second perspective view of a toner cartridge supporting unit according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view with a partially enlarged view showing a toner cartridge and a mounting detection plate mounted on the toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment;

fig. 55 is a first perspective view of a holder according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a second perspective view of the retainer;

fig. 57 shows an outer shape of a toner cartridge according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 57;

FIG. 60A is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 57;

FIG. 60B is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 is a first view showing the holder according to the fourth embodiment when the holder is mounted on the toner cartridge at a first position;

FIG. 62 is a second view showing the holder according to the fourth embodiment when the holder is mounted on the toner cartridge at the second position;

FIG. 63 is a third view showing the holder according to the fourth embodiment when the holder is mounted on the toner cartridge at a third position; and

fig. 64 is a fourth view showing the holder according to the fourth embodiment when the holder is mounted on the toner cartridge at the fourth position.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in terms of an electrophotographic color printer.

First embodiment

Fig. 2 shows an external appearance of the printer 10 according to the first embodiment.

The paper tray 11 is located at a lower portion of the printer 10, and holds a stack of paper (not shown) therein. The sheet feeding mechanism is disposed adjacent to an exit of the sheet tray 11, and feeds sheets one by one. The sheet feeding mechanism includes a dancer roller 12 and a retard roller 13. The sheet fed by the sheet feeding mechanism advances to a first conveying roller 14 disposed above the sheet feeding mechanism, and the conveying roller 14 further conveys the sheet to a second conveying roller 15. The second roller 15 corrects skew of the sheet. Then, the sheet advances in this order through the image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M, and 16C. The image forming unit is a first replaceable unit that is detachably attached to the printer 10, and forms images of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively.

The image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M and 16C include image bearing bodies or photoconductive drums 31BK, 31Y, 31M and 31C, and exposure units or Light Emitting Diode (LED) heads 22BK, 22Y, 22M and 22C respectively disposed in the vicinity of the corresponding photoconductive drums 31BK, 31Y, 31M and 31C. The LEDs 22BK, 22Y, 22M, and 22C irradiate the charged surfaces of the corresponding photoconductive drums 31BK, 31Y, 31M, and 31C, respectively, to form electrostatic latent images thereon.

The image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M, and 16C are aligned along the conveying belt 17 of the conveying unit U1. The conveying unit U1 includes a first or driving roller r1, a second or driven roller r2, and a conveying belt 17. The conveying belt is disposed around a driving roller r1 and a driven roller r 2. The transfer belt 17 is sandwiched between the photoconductive drums 31BK, 31Y, 31M, and 31C and the transfer rollers 21BK, 21Y, 21M, and 21C. The conveying roller receives a predetermined voltage from a conveying power source (not shown).

The sheet is carried on the conveyor belt 17. When the conveying belt 17 is operated, the sheet is advanced through conveying points defined between the photoconductive drums 30BK, 30Y, 30M, and 30C and the corresponding conveying rollers 21BK, 21Y, 21M, and 21C, respectively, so that toner images of corresponding colors are conveyed onto the sheet in registration one after another to form a complete color toner image on the sheet.

Next, the sheet then moves forward to a fixing unit 18 or fixing device where the toner images of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan on the sheet are fixed into a full color image. Then, the sheet exits the fixing unit 18 and is further conveyed by the third conveying roller 19 to the discharge roller 20, and the discharge roller 20 in turn discharges the sheet onto the stacking portion 38.

The cleaning blade 25 scrapes off residual toner remaining on the belt 17. The scraped-off toner is collected in the waste toner tank 26.

Next, the image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M, and 16C will be described. The respective image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M, and 16C may be substantially the same; for simplicity, only the operation of the image forming unit 16BK for forming a black image will be described, it being understood that the other image forming units 16Y, 16M, and 16C may operate in a similar manner.

Fig. 3 shows the outer shape of the picture element 16BK according to the first embodiment.

The toner cartridge 41 is provided on the body of the image forming unit 16 BK. The black toner held in the toner cartridge 41 is supplied to the image forming unit 16BK through the toner supply path 27. The toner cartridge 41 is a replaceable member, and is thus detachably attached to the body 37.

The photoconductive drum 31BK is composed of a photoconductor capable of holding an electric charge on its surface. When the charged surface of the photoconductive drum 31BK is selectively irradiated with light according to image data, the electric charge in the irradiated area dissipates. A charging roller 32, a developing roller 33, a toner supply roller 34, and a cleaning blade 36 are disposed around the photoconductive drum 31 BK.

The charging roller 32 is in contact with the photoconductive drum 31BK, and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the photoconductive drum 31BK rotates. When the charging roller 32 rotates, it receives a high voltage from a charging power source (not shown), and uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 31 BK. The developing roller 33 is in contact with the photoconductive drum 31BK, and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the photoconductive drum 31BK rotates. The developing roller 33 receives a high voltage from a developing power supply (not shown), and supplies black toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive drum 31 BK. The toner supply roller 34 is in pressure contact with the developing roller 33, and rotates in the same direction as the developing roller 33. The toner supply roller 34 is configured to rotate freely. The toner supply roller 34 receives a high voltage from a developer supply source (not shown), and supplies the toner received from the toner cartridge 41 to the developing roller 33. The developing blade 35 forms a thin layer of toner on the surface of the developing roller 33. The cleaning blade 36 scrapes off residual toner remaining on the photoconductive drum after the black toner image is conveyed onto the sheet from the photoconductive drum 31 BK.

The printer 10 according to the present invention is a single-component developing printer, and uses a non-magnetic single-component developer material.

The charging roller 32 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 31BK, and the LED head 22BK irradiates the charged surface of the photoconductive drum 31BK with light according to image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive drum 31 BK. The supply roller 34 supplies black toner, which has been supplied from the toner cartridge 41 to the developing roller 34 through the toner supply path 27, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a black toner image.

The toner cartridge 41 is detachably attached to the body 37 of the image forming unit.

The description will be given of how the toner cartridge 41 is attached to the body 37 or detached from the body 37.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view 10 of the printer.

The front cover 29 is swingably mounted to the chassis Cs of the printer 10. The stacking portion 38 is formed on the top of the rack Cs.

The image forming units 16BK, 16Y, 16M, and 16C are located in the body of the printer 10. The toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the corresponding receiving space Sp of a substantially triangular prism shape. Once the front cover 29 is opened, the user is allowed to insert or pull out the toner cartridge 41 through the storage space Sp.

The toner cartridge supporting unit 61 is provided at the bottom of the storage space Sp, and supports the toner cartridge 41 inserted into the printer 10. The toner cartridge supporting unit 61 is mounted to the printer 10 by means of, for example, screws, so that the toner cartridge 41 can be inserted into or pulled out of the printer 10 while sliding on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

In the following description. "Y" denotes a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 41, and is a direction in which the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into and pulled out of the printer 10. "X" denotes a direction parallel to the width of the toner cartridge 41, and is perpendicular to the Y direction. "Z" represents a direction perpendicular to the Y direction and the X direction.

Next, a description will be given of a second replaceable unit component constituted by the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 5 is a through view of the toner cartridge 41. Fig. 6 is a first perspective view of the toner cartridge 41. Fig. 7 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge 41. Fig. 8 is a first perspective view of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. Fig. 9 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. Fig. 10 is a first perspective view of the toner cartridge and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 when the toner cartridge 41 has been supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. Fig. 11 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 when the toner cartridge 41 has been supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

The toner cartridge 41 will be described.

Referring to fig. 5 to 7, the toner cartridge 41 extends longitudinally in the Y direction, and has a housing Hs of a substantially triangular prism shape. The side wall 101 or first wall extends in the Z-direction and in the Y-direction, and the bottom wall 102 or second wall also extends in the Y-direction. The toner cartridge 41 further includes a rear sidewall 104 or a fourth wall at one longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41, and a front sidewall 105 or a fifth wall at the other longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41. An inclined sidewall 103 or third wall extends through the sidewall 101 and bottom wall 102 and meets a front sidewall 105 and a rear sidewall 104.

The casing Hs has a toner chamber 51 in which toner as a developer material is held. The toner chamber 51 incorporates a screw 56 and an agitating member 55 extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 41. When the agitator 55 is driven to rotate, the agitator 55 agitates the toner in the toner chamber 51.

The toner in the toner chamber 51 is discharged into the toner supply passage 27 through the toner discharge opening 59. The shutter 53 is attached to the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41, and is configured to slide in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the toner cartridge 41, so that the shutter 53 opens and closes the toner discharge opening 59.

The first latch 71 (fig. 32) is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 and is positioned closer to the rear side wall 104 than the toner discharge opening 59. The first latch 71 is formed of a resilient material. When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the housing space Sp of the printer 10 such that the first latch 71 is disengaged from the first engagement portion 107 (fig. 32) of the shutter 53 (fig. 32), the first latch 71 allows the shutter 53 to slide to open the toner discharge opening 59.

Shutter 53 includes a second engagement portion 108 (fig. 36) at a portion thereof closest to rear sidewall 104. When the toner cartridge 41 is pulled out from the storage space Sp, the second engagement portion 108 engages the second latch 78 (fig. 32) to prevent the shutter 53 from sliding further toward the rear sidewall 104. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 41 is further pulled out, the shutter slides toward the front side wall 105 with respect to the toner cartridge 41 to close the toner discharge opening 59.

The toner cartridge 41 includes ribs 70 formed at widthwise ends of the bottom of the toner cartridge 41, the ribs 70 extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 41. The ribs 70 guide the toner cartridge 41 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted or pulled with respect to the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

The toner cartridge 41 includes a mounting detection plate 60 (fig. 1) mounted on the outer surface of the bottom wall 102. The mounting detection plate 60 determines whether the toner cartridge 41 has been properly attached to the body of the printer 10, and retains the type of the toner cartridge 41 and other information so that the information retained in the mounting detection plate 60 can be read by the image forming unit. The toner cartridge 41 has a mounting surface R1 on which the mounting detection plate 60 and the holder 87 are mounted on the mounting surface R1. The mounting surface R1 is formed on a portion of the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41 near the side wall 101 and the front side wall 105. The mounting detection plate 60 and the holder 87 are disposed on the mounting surface R1.

The mounting detection plate 60 has mounted thereon a memory 152 (fig. 20A) as a storage element, and a contact 60A as a first connection terminal and a second contact 60b as a second connection terminal. For example, the memory 152 is a non-volatile memory that holds information about the type of the toner cartridge 41 and other variables and information for determining whether the toner cartridge 41 has been properly attached to the image forming unit. The information held in the memory 152 includes information about consumable supplies, such as the amount, color, and properties of toner held in the toner cartridge 41.

The insertion restricting member 85 or the first restricting element includes restricting projections 85a and 85b adjacent to the mounting surface R1. The restricting projections 85a and 85b are small projections provided at two of a total of four predetermined positions on the outer surface of the bottom wall 102. The insertion restriction member 85 serves to prevent the wrong toner cartridge 41 from being erroneously inserted.

The handle 69 extends in the Y direction and is located at the uppermost portion of the sloped side wall 103. When the user holds or carries the toner cartridge 41, he grasps the handle 69. A grip 68 is formed at the rear sidewall 104 and is held by the user when the user pulls the toner cartridge 41 out of the storage space Sp.

The gears 54a and 54b are rotatably mounted on the front side wall 105. When the drive gear 57 enters the toner cartridge 41, the drive gear 57 moves into meshing engagement with the gears 54a and 54b, so that the drive gear 57 rotationally drives the gears 54a and 54 b. The screw 56 has one longitudinal end thereof connected to the gear 54 a. The stirring member 55 has one longitudinal end thereof connected to the gear 54 b.

The first side wall 105 has a positioning column 52 formed as a first positioning column on the toner cartridge side. When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp, the positioning post 52 enters a positioning hole h11 (fig. 16A and 16B) formed in a surface S1 of the gear 57, the positioning hole h11 is concentric with the drive gear 57, and serves as a first positioning member. Thus, the positioning posts 52 and positioning holes h11 are used for the position of the toner cartridge 41 relative to the printer 10. A restricting groove 72 as a second positioning member is formed in the bottom wall 102 in the vicinity of the lower end of the front side wall 105. The restricting groove 72 engages the positioning projection 64 formed on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, thereby positioning the toner cartridge 41 relative to the printer 10 and preventing the toner cartridge 41 from rotating when the gear 54a is rotated by the driving gear 57.

The toner cartridge supporting unit 61 will be described.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 includes a supporting surface 62 on which the toner cartridge 41 is supported, and guides 111 and 112 that are raised from the supporting surface 62 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. Four slide guides 63 are formed on the respective guides 111 and 112, and project inward to guide the toner cartridge 41 in such a manner that the ribs 70 of the toner cartridge 41 smoothly slide on the slide guides 63 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into or pulled out of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

The recess AR1 is formed in the support surface 62 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge support unit 61. The recessed portion AR1 prevents the shutter 53 from interfering with the bearing surface 62 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into or pulled out of the storage space Sp, or when the shutter 53 opens or closes the toner discharge opening 59. Another recess AR2 is formed adjacent to the recess AR 1. The recesses AR2 prevent the restricting projections 85a and 85b from interfering with the support surface 62 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into or pulled out of the storage space Sp. AR1 is deeper than the thickness of shutter 53. The recess AR2 is slightly deeper than the height of the restraining projections 85a and 85 b.

The toner guide port 115 is formed at the longitudinal midpoint of the depressed portion AR1, so that the toner in the toner chamber 51 is discharged through the toner guide port 115. The shutter movement restricting member 76 is formed adjacent to the toner guide port 115 and closer to the inlet of the housing space Sp, and protrudes upward or vertically from the support surface 62. When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp and the shutter 53 reaches the toner guide port 115, the shutter movement restricting member 76 (fig. 37 and 38) abuts against the shutter 53, thereby preventing the shutter 53 from moving further into the storage space Sp and then causing the shutter 53 to open the opening 59.

A second latch 78 (fig. 32-35) is positioned adjacent to the shutter movement limiting element 76 and closer to the entrance of the housing space Sp than the shutter movement limiting element 76. The second latch 78 is formed of a resilient material. When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp, the second latch 78 restricts movement of the shutter 53 relative to the toner discharge opening 59, so that the shutter 53 opens the toner discharge opening 59. When the toner guide 41 is pulled out from the housing space SP, the second latch 78 restricts the movement of the shutter 53 toward the rear side wall 104, so that the shutter 53 closes the toner discharge opening 59.

A latch release post 75 (fig. 32-35) is positioned adjacent the second latch 78. When the toner cartridge 41 moves into the accommodating space Sp, the latch release column 75 pushes up the first latch 71, thereby allowing the shutter 53 to move relative to the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41. Thus, the shutter 53 can open the toner discharge opening 59.

The positioning projection 64 is provided between the recesses AR1 and AR2 at the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 on the side of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 opposite to the inlet of the storage space Sp. When the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the receiving space Sp, the positioning projection 64 engages with the restricting groove 72, thereby positioning the toner cartridge 41 with respect to the printer 10. The positioning projections 64 also serve to prevent the toner cartridge 41 from rotating when the driving force of the driving gear 57 is transmitted to the gear 54 a.

The contacts 66 include first contacts 66a and second contacts 66b, and are formed on recesses AR2 near the positioning projections 64 at positions facing the mounting surface R1 of the toner cartridge 41. The contact 66 is at the rear end portion of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 on the side of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 opposite to the entrance of the storage space Sp. The first contact 66a and the second contact 66b are formed of an elastic material, and have the shape of a short triangular prism. When the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the housing space Sp, the first contact 66a and the second contact 66b press the contacts 60a and 60b, respectively, at a predetermined pressure. The contact areas of the first and second contacts 66a, 66b are gold plated for good electrical contact with the first and second contacts 60a, 60b, respectively.

The insertion restriction member 86 including the restriction projections 86a and 86b is located at a position closer to the recess AR2 of the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 than the longitudinal midpoint (Y direction). The restricting projections 86a and 86b cooperate with the restricting projections 85a and 85b to prevent the wrong toner cartridge 41 from being inserted into the body of the wrong image forming unit. The restricting protrusion 86 includes two protrusions 86a and 86b located at two of the four predetermined positions, and protrudes from the recess AR 2. For example, in the present embodiment, the restricting projections 85a and 85b are provided at positions different from the restricting projections 86a and 86b so that the restricting projections 85a and 85b can move forward without interfering with the restricting projections 86a and 86b when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the accommodating space Sp.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, when the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the storage space Sp, the positioning projections 64 formed on the toner cartridge support unit 61 are fitted into the grooves 72 formed in the toner cartridge 41 so that the toner cartridge 41 is in position and prevented from rotating when the rotation of the drive gear 57 is transmitted to the gear 54 a.

Once the contacts 66 are moved into electrical contact with the first and second contacts 60a, 60b of the mounting detection plate 60, electronic communication may exist between the printer-side controller and the toner cartridge 41 through the mounting detection plate 60. A controller (not shown) reads the information from the memory 152, and determines whether the toner cartridge 41 is properly attached to the body of the image forming unit based on the information, and obtains other information including the type of the toner cartridge 41.

Further, the positioning post 52 enters a positioning hole h11 formed in the surface S1 of the drive gear 57, thereby positioning the toner cartridge 41 with respect to the printer 10.

A description will be given of how the drive gear 57 meshes with the gears 54a and 54b when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp.

Fig. 12 is a first perspective view showing the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 when the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the receiving space Sp. Fig. 13 is a second perspective view showing the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 when the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the receiving space Sp. Fig. 14 is a first perspective view showing the toner cartridge 41 and the drive gear 57 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the receiving space Sp. Fig. 15 is a second perspective view showing the toner cartridge 41 and the drive gear 57 of the drive source 121 when the toner cartridge 41 has been inserted into the storage space Sp. Fig. 16A shows the drive gear 57 and gears 54a, 54b after these gears have been moved into meshing engagement with one another. Fig. 16B shows drive gear 57 and gears 54a, 54B before gears 54a and 54B have been moved into meshing engagement with one another.

The driving source 121 is disposed at an end of the storage space Sp, and drives the screw 56 and the stirring member 55 to rotate. The motor housing 112 is a box-shaped frame for housing the motor. The drive gear 57 protrudes outward from the motor housing 122 through a hole h1 formed in a surface of the motor housing 122 facing the toner cartridge 41, and is meshed with the gears 54a and 54 b.

The motor housing 122 houses a cartridge motor (not shown) as a driving source for conveying and stirring toner, an intermediate gear 123 that meshes with an output gear (not shown) mounted to an output shaft of the cartridge motor, and a spring 58. The spring 58 is located between the intermediate gear 123 and the projection 125, and urges the driving gear 57 toward the toner cartridge 41. The intermediate gear 123 includes a convex portion 124 in the shape of a hollow cylinder closed at its end. The boss 124 has a bottom end to which the drive gear 57 is mounted.

When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the housing space Sp in the direction of the arrow (fig. 12 and 14), the positioning column 52 enters the hole h11 formed in the surface S1 of the driving gear tooth 57, thereby guiding the toner cartridge 41 toward its final position. When the toner cartridge 41 is further inserted, the surface S1 of the drive gear 57 may abut only the surface S2 of the gear 54a, so that the drive gear 57 does not properly engage the gears 54a and 54B, in which case the drive gear 57 and the intermediate gear 123 are pushed rearward against the urging force of the spring 58 as shown in fig. 16B.

When drive gear 57 is driven to rotate, spring 58 urges drive gear 57 into meshing engagement with gears 54a and 54b as shown in FIG. 16A. In this way, the drive gear 57 may properly engage the toner cartridge 41. When the cartridge motor is energized, the cartridge motor drives the intermediate gear 123 to rotate, which intermediate gear 123 in turn drives the drive gear 57 to rotate. Accordingly, the gears 54a and 54b rotate.

The mounting surface R1 will now be described.

Fig. 1 shows how the mounting detection plate 60 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41. Fig. 17 is a first perspective view of the holder 87 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 18 is a second perspective view of the holder 87. Fig. 19 shows a relevant portion of the toner cartridge 41. Fig. 20A is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in fig. 19. Fig. 22A is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in fig. 19. Fig. 22B is a portion of fig. 22A. Fig. 22C is a fragmentary view of the toner cartridge 41 showing a positional relationship among the mounting detection plate 60, the positioning members 88 and 89, the holder 87, and the recess 131.

Referring to fig. 20A, the mounting surface R1 includes a rectangular recess 131, and the rectangular recess 131 is formed in the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41 and is positioned adjacent to the front side wall 105 (not shown). The recess 131 accommodates therein the mounting detection plate 60.

The mounting detection plate 60 includes a plate 151 (fig. 20C), a memory 152 mounted on a lower surface of the plate 151, and first and second contacts 60a and 60b formed on an upper surface of the plate 151. The plate 151 has a first edge L1 facing the front side wall 105, a second edge L2 opposite to the first edge L1, a third edge L3 facing the side wall 101, and a fourth edge L4 opposite to the third edge L3. The mounting detection plate 60 is detachably mounted in the concave portion 131.

A rectangular recess 132 is formed adjacent to the recess 131 and receives the retainer 87 therein. The holder 87 holds the mounting detection plate 60 to the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41, and restricts movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in the recess 131.

When the toner cartridge 41 has been completely inserted into the storage space Sp, the mounting surface R1 is at the rear end portion of the storage space Sp so that the first and second contacts 60a and 60b of the mounting detection plate 60 are in electrical contact with the first and second contacts 66a and 66b on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

First positioning member 88 and second positioning member 89 are raised from the floor of recess 131 and abut edges L1 and L2, respectively, of mounting detection plate 60 such that mounting detection plate 60 is sandwiched between first positioning member 88 and second positioning member 89. In addition, the first and second positioning portions 90 and 190 are formed in the recess 131.

The first positioning portion 90 is formed of a pair of projections which project downward from the inner wall of the recess 131 and abut against the edge L3 of the attachment detection plate 60. The second positioning portion 190 protrudes from the inner wall of the recess 131, and abuts from above the main surface of the mounting detection plate 60 in the vicinity of the edge L3. The short ribs 161 and 162 rise from the bottom of the recess 131 and extend in the width direction of the recess 131.

The first positioning element 88 and the second positioning element 89 extend in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the recess 131. The height of the first positioning element 88 is smaller than the height of the second positioning element 89. The first positioning portions 90 are formed at each widthwise end of the recess 131. The second positioners 190 extend in the width direction (Y direction) of the recess 131.

The holder 87 includes a rectangular flat plate 97 and a pair of posts 92 located at longitudinal ends of the flat plate 97 and extending downward from the flat plate 97. When the retainer 87 is mounted into the recess 131, the posts 92 are press-fitted into the holes h2 and h3 formed in the recess 131.

The first positioning portion 91 includes a pair of projections formed on one longitudinal end of the flat plate 97 and extending downward from the flat plate 97. The first positioning portions 91 are aligned in the width direction of the flat plate 97, and abut against the edge L4 of the mounting detection plate 60. The second positioning portion 191 is formed at one longitudinal end of the flat plate 97 near the first positioning portion 91. The second positioning portion 191 protrudes from the flat plate 97 in the longitudinal direction of the flat plate 97, and extends in the width direction of the flat plate 97. When the holder 87 has been mounted on the toner cartridge 41, the second positioning portion 191 abuts the main surface of the mounting detection plate 60 in the vicinity of the edge L4 from above.

The relationship of the longitudinal distance of the concave portion 131 or the distance between the walls 211 and 212 of the concave portion 131, the distance between the first positioning portions 90 and 91, and the distance between the longitudinal ends of the mounting detection plate 60 (i.e., between L3 and L4) is as follows:

m1>m2>m3

where m1 is the distance between walls 211 and 212, m2 is the distance between first positioning portions 90 and 91, and m3 is the distance between the longitudinal ends of mounting detection plate 60.

In the first embodiment, the difference between the distances m1 and m2 is 2mm, and the difference between the distances m2 and m3 is 0.5 mm. The relationship between the width of the reservoir 152 and the distance between the ribs 161, 162 extending in the longitudinal direction of the recess 131 is as follows:

d1>d2

where d1 is the distance between ribs 161 and 162 and d2 is the width of reservoir 152.

The first positioning member 88 and the second positioning member 89 abut against the opposite edges L1 and L2 of the mounting detection plate 60, respectively, thereby placing the mounting detection plate 60 in a position along the width direction of the recess 131. The first positioning portions 90 and 91 abut the other opposite edges L3 and L4 of the mounting detection plate 60, respectively, thereby placing the mounting detection plate 60 in position and prohibiting the mounting detection plate 60 from moving in the longitudinal direction of the recess 131. The second positioning portions 190 and 191 abut the opposite edges of the mounting detection plate 60, thereby preventing the mounting detection plate 60 from moving in the depth direction (Z direction) of the concave portion 131. The ribs 161 and 162 abut against the lower side of the plate 151 on which the detection plate 60 is mounted, thereby placing the mounting detection plate 60 at a position in the depth direction of the concave portion 131.

Referring to fig. 20A and 20B, if the distance H1 between the bottom of the recess 131 and the upper end of the first positioning member 88 is shorter than the distance H2 between the bottom of the recess 131 and the upper end of the mounting detection plate 60, the contact member 66 on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 will be scraped by the edge of the mounting detection plate 60. Therefore, the following relationship is maintained,

H2<H1

further, the upper end of the first positioning member 88 has a chamfered surface 98 so that the contact member 66 will not interfere with the positioning member 88 when the toner cartridge 41 is moved on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 20B is a perspective view showing the positional relationship among the mounting detection plate 60, the positioning members 88, 89, and the concave portion 131. Fig. 20C shows dimensions L1, L2, L3, and L4 of the mounting detection plate 60. If the distance H1 is equal to the distance H3 between the bottom of the recess 131 and the outer surface of the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41, the contacts 66a and 66b on the toner cartridge 41 will slide on the positioning elements 88 under a large frictional load, which causes the contacts 66a and 66b to wear quickly. Therefore, the distances H1 and H3 are selected to satisfy the following relationship,

H1<H3

further, if the distance H4 between the bottom of the recessed portion 131 and the upper end of the positioning member 89 and the distance H5 between the bottom of the recessed portion 131 and the upper end of the second positioning portion 190 are shorter than the distance H3, the mounting detection plate 60 may not be reliably positioned, and its movement may be improperly restricted. For this reason, the relationship of the distances H3 to H5 is as follows:

H3=H4=H5。

in addition, if the distance H3 is shorter than the distance H6 between the bottom of the recess 131 and the upper surface of the holder 87, the toner cartridge 41 cannot move relative to the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. Thus, the relationship between distances H3 and H6 is selected to satisfy the following relationship:

H6≤H3

thus, the distance H1 to H6 has the following relationship:

H2<H1<H3<H6≤H3=H4=H5。

a description will be given of how the detection plate 60 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a first perspective view showing a step for mounting the detection plate.

Fig. 24 is a second perspective view showing a step for mounting the detection plate 60.

Fig. 25 is a third perspective view showing a step for mounting the detection plate 60.

Fig. 26 is a fourth perspective view showing a step for mounting the detection plate 60.

Referring to fig. 23, the mounting detection plate 60 is located on the mounting surface R1 on the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41. Referring to fig. 24, the mounting detection plate 60 is inserted into a space 131 defined by the first and second positioning members 88 and 89 and the first and second positioning portions 90 and 190. The mounting sensing plate 60 is then moved into contacting engagement with ribs 161 and 162.

The first positioning member 88 and the second positioning member 89 restrict the movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in the width direction (Y direction) of the concave portion 131, but do not restrict the movement in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the concave portion 131. Therefore, at this time, the mounting detection plate 60 may be moved in the longitudinal direction so that the mounting detection plate 60 may be slid into the space.

Subsequently, the mounting detection plate 60 is advanced toward the side wall 101 until the mounting detection plate 60 abuts the first positioning portion 90. As a result, edge L3 of detection plate 60 is mounted to the underside of second positioning portion 190.

Next, the column 92 of the holder 87 is pressed into the holes h2 and h3 as shown in fig. 25 and 26, respectively, thereby mounting the holder 87 on the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41 such that the holder 87 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the recess 132 and in the depth direction (Z direction). The first positioning portion 91 and the second positioning portion 191 of the retainer 87 restrict movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in both the longitudinal direction and the height direction of the recess 131.

Next, a description will be given of the insertion restriction member 85 and the insertion restriction member 86 when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp.

Fig. 27 shows a first view of the insertion restriction members 85 and 86.

Fig. 28 shows a second view of the insertion restriction members 85 and 86.

Fig. 29 shows a third view of insertion limiters 85 and 86.

Fig. 30 shows a fourth view of the insertion limiters 85 and 86.

Fig. 31 shows a fifth view of the insertion restriction members 85 and 86.

As shown in fig. 27 to 31, the toner cartridge 41 is supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. The toner supply passage 27 is formed in the toner cartridge holding unit 61. The toner cartridge 41 supplies toner through the toner discharge opening 59. The toner cartridge 41 has an insertion restriction member 85, and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 has an insertion restriction member 86.

First, the longitudinal end or first longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41 is located on the support surface 62 of the toner cartridge support unit 61. The toner cartridge 41 is then gradually pushed into the storage space Sp.

Referring to fig. 27 to 29, if the toner cartridge 41 is a correct cartridge for the body 37 (fig. 3) of the image forming unit in accordance with the color of the toner, the restriction projections 86a and 86b of the insertion restriction member 86 provided on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 do not interfere with the restriction projections 85a and 85b of the toner cartridge 41, thereby allowing the toner cartridge 41 to smoothly advance into the accommodating space Sp, as shown in fig. 27 to 29.

The fact that the toner cartridge 41 can enter the housing space Sp without interference indicates that the color of the toner in the toner cartridge 41 is the same as that used in the body 37 of the image forming section.

Referring to fig. 30 and 31, if the toner cartridge 41 is not a correct cartridge for the body 37 of the image forming unit in terms of the color of toner, the restricting projection 85a will interfere with the restricting projection 86c so that the toner cartridge 41 cannot be inserted into the storage space Sp.

The fact that the toner cartridge 41 cannot enter the housing space Sp without interference indicates that the color of the toner in the toner cartridge 41 is different from that used in the body 37 of the image forming section.

In this way, accidental insertion of the wrong toner cartridge 41 is prevented.

Next, a description will be given of how the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into and pulled out of the storage space Sp. The shutter 53 has a first engaging portion 107 and a second engaging portion 108 formed at an end of the shutter 53 closer to the rear side wall 104 of the toner cartridge 41.

The positional relationship between the first engagement 107 of the shutter 53 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 will be described with reference to fig. 32 to 35.

The positional relationship between the second engagement 108 of the shutter 53 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 will be described with reference to fig. 36 to 39.

Fig. 32 is a first view of the first engaging portion 107 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 33 is a second view of the first engagement 107 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 34 is a third view of the first engaging portion 107 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 35 is a fourth view of the first engagement 107 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 36 is a first view of the second engaging portion 108 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 37 is a second view of the second engagement 108 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 38 is a third view of the second engagement 108 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 39 is a fourth view of the second engagement 108 of the toner cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

As shown in fig. 32 to 39, the toner cartridge 41 has the shutter 53 attached thereto, and is supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. The toner supply passage 27 is formed in the toner cartridge holding unit 61. The toner cartridge 41 supplies toner through a toner guide port 115 formed in the toner cartridge 41. The first latch 71 is mounted to the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41. A latch release column 75 (fig. 8) is formed on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. A stopper 77 is formed on the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41, and stops the shutter 53 at a position where the shutter 53 closes the toner discharge opening 59. The second latch 78 is provided on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

First, the front cover 29 (fig. 4) is opened, and the toner cartridge 41 is placed on the support surface 62 of the toner cartridge support unit 61. Then, the toner cartridge 41 is gradually inserted into the housing space Sp in the direction of the arrow. As shown in fig. 32, the distal end portions 171 of the first latches 71 are received in the recesses 172 formed in the first engagement portions 107 of the shutter 53, so that when the toner cartridge 41 is advanced into the receiving space Sp, the shutter 53 is also advanced into the receiving space Sp. As shown in fig. 32 and 36, when the stopper 77 abuts against an abutment 109 formed on the shutter 53 closer to the front sidewall 105, the shutter 53 pushes the second latch 78, so that the second latch 78 is resiliently bent downward.

Once the insertion restriction 85 passes the insertion restriction 86, the first latch 71 starts to be pushed up by the latch release post 75 to resiliently bend upward as shown in fig. 33, so that the distal end portion 171 starts to move out of the recess 172.

Once the distal end portion 171 has moved out of the recessed portion 172 as shown in fig. 34, the shutter 53 is allowed to move relative to the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41 so that the shutter 53 can now open and close the toner discharge opening 59. In addition, the abutment 109 abuts the shutter movement restriction element 76 formed on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, at which time the tip 78a of the second latch 78 moves away from the lower side of the shutter 53, causing the second latch 78 to bend upward to recover its original shape.

When the toner cartridge 41 is further advanced as shown in fig. 35, the shutter 53 is stopped by the shutter movement restricting member 76, and the toner discharge opening 59 is opened because the abutment 109 abuts against the shutter movement restricting member 76. When the toner discharge opening 59 becomes aligned with the toner supply passage 27, the toner cartridge 41 is stopped. At this time, the front end of the toner cartridge 41 has reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, and the tip 78a is moved into engagement with the second engaging portion 108 as shown in fig. 39, so that the positioning projection 64 is received in the groove 72. Referring to fig. 40, the first positioning member 88 formed on the mounting surface R1 climbs up the first and second contact members 66a and 66b, so that the mounting detection plate 60 is moved into contact with the first and second contact members 66a and 66 b. In this way, the toner cartridge 41 is insertable into the receiving space Sp.

Once the front cover 29 is closed, the controller makes a decision to determine whether communication between the controller and the mounting detection board 60 may be possible. If communication is possible, the controller determines that the toner cartridge 41 has been properly inserted into the storage space Sp, and then the printer 10 becomes ready to print. If communication is not possible, the controller determines that the cartridge 41 is not properly inserted and the printer 10 is not ready to print. Then, the controller causes a display unit (not shown) (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)) to display a message to the user indicating that the toner cartridge 41 is not properly inserted.

Next, a description will be given of the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 reaches the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 40 is a first view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 reaches the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 41 is a second view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 starts to climb up the contact 66.

Fig. 42 is a third view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 has passed over the contact 66.

Fig. 43 is a fourth view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 is further advanced toward the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 44 is a fifth view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 has fully reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 in a position slightly different from fig. 43.

When the front end of the toner cartridge 41 has reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, the contact member 66 is deformed through the gap between the first positioning member 88 and the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, and then enters the recess 131 to elastically contact the mounting detection plate 60 back and forth.

When the front end of the toner cartridge 41 reaches the rear end of the storage space Sp, the surface S2 of the gear 54a may interfere with the surface S1 of the driving member 57 as shown in fig. 16B, so that the driving gear 57 may not be meshingly engaged with the gears 54a and 54B. Therefore, the driving gear 57 and the intermediate gear 123 are pushed rearward against the urging force of the spring 58, in which case the front end of the toner cartridge 41 is about 0.5mm to 1mm away from its final position where the toner cartridge 41 should be located. Since the mounting detection plate 60 is mounted on the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41 as shown in fig. 43 and 44, the contact members 66 can still be brought into contact with the first and second contact members 60a and 60b of the mounting detection plate 60 despite the fact that the mounting detection plate 66 is slightly away from the final position where the toner cartridge 41 should be. Further, the contact member 66 may be brought into contact with the mounting detection plate 60 at a predetermined contact pressure. The first contact 60a and the second contact 60b of the mounting detection plate 60 are kept in positive contact with the contact 66 due to the weight of the toner cartridge 41.

As described above, distance H1 (fig. 20A) is shorter than distance H5 so that first positioning element 88 exerts only a small pressure on contact 66 as contact 66 passes through the gap between first positioning element 88 and cartridge support unit 61. Thus, the contact 66 may resiliently deform as it passes through the gap.

The mounting detection plate 60 is disposed adjacent to the front side wall 105 so that the mounting detection plate 60 is moved into contact with the contact members 66 only when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 has approached or reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. This reduces the chance of the contacts 66 contacting or scratching the outer surface of the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41, thereby preventing rapid wear of the surface of the gold-plated contacts 66.

Next, a description will be given of how the toner cartridge 41 is pulled out of the storage space Sp.

When the toner cartridge 41 is advanced into the storage space Sp, the abutment 109 of the shutter 53 abuts the shutter movement restricting member 76, so that the shutter movement restricting member 76 causes the shutter 53 to open the toner discharge opening 59 as shown in fig. 35. When the tip 78a of the second latch 78 engages the second engagement portion 108 of the shutter 53 and the mount detection plate 60 is brought into contact with the contact member 66, the user holds the grip 68 of the toner cartridge 41 and then pulls it toward him so that the stopper 77 abuts against this abutment 109, causing the shutter 53 to completely close the toner discharge opening 90.

When the toner cartridge 41 is pulled further, the second latch 78 is yieldably deformed by the force of pulling the toner cartridge 41, so that the tip 78a moves away from engagement with the second engagement portion 108. In this way, the toner cartridge 41 can be pulled out of the storage space Sp.

When the toner cartridge 41 is pulled out of the storage space Sp, the first latch 71 is moved together with the toner cartridge 41, and engages the latch release column 75. When the toner cartridge 41 is further pulled, the latch release column 75 enters below the distal end portion 171 of the first latch 71, so that the distal end portion 171 is pushed upward and climbs up the latch release column 75, and the distal end portion 171 falls into the recess 172 formed at the first engagement portion 107 of the shutter 53.

In the first embodiment, the first edge L1 (fig. 1) and the second edge L2 of the mounting detection plate 60 abut the first positioning element 88 and the second positioning element 89, respectively. Therefore, the mounting detection plate 60 can be positioned in the width direction (Y direction) of the concave portion 131. The edge L4 of the mounting detection plate 60 abuts the first positioning portion 91 and the second positioning portion 191, and the holder 87 is then mounted on the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41, thereby restricting the movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in its longitudinal direction (X direction) and its width direction (Y direction).

Therefore, the first embodiment simplifies the operation for mounting the mounting detection plate 60 on the toner cartridge 41, so that the mounting detection plate 60 can be easily and reliably mounted on the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41.

Ribs 161 and 162 are formed on the bottom of the recess 131 to extend in a direction parallel to the direction in which the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into and pulled out of the housing space Sp. This protects the mounting detection plate 60 from any external force that may be applied when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into and pulled out of the storage space Sp. Therefore, this configuration makes the mounting detection plate 60 durable.

The holder 87 is mounted on the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41, which brings the holder 87 into positions in the longitudinal direction and in the depth direction of the recess 132. This configuration sufficiently protects the mounting detection plate 60 from an unexpected external force when the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into or pulled out of the storage space Sp. The posts 92 of the holder 87 are press-fitted into the holes h2 and h3, thereby reliably mounting the holder 87 to the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41. When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into or pulled out of the storage space Sp, even if an external force is applied to the holder 87, such external force acts in the width direction of the holder 87, not in the height direction. Therefore, the posts 92 will not be easily pulled out of the holes h2 and h3, and thus the holder 87 will not leave the toner cartridge 41.

The detection plate 60 is mounted substantially in the direction in which the posts 92 of the holder 87 are press-fitted into the holes h2 and h 3. This simplifies the operation for mounting the detection plate 60 and the holder 87 to the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41.

Second embodiment

Elements similar to those of the first embodiment have been given similar reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The same structures as those in the first embodiment provide the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

Fig. 45 shows a toner cartridge holding unit 61 according to the second embodiment.

It should be noted that the cartridge supporting unit 61 is directly mounted on the body 37 of the image forming unit, thereby eliminating the need for the toner supply path 27 (fig. 3). The toner is discharged from the toner cartridge 41, and is supplied into the image forming unit through the toner introduction port 115.

Third embodiment

Elements similar to those of the first and second embodiments have been given similar reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The same structures as those in the first embodiment provide the same effects as those in the first embodiment.

Fig. 46 shows a perspective view of the toner cartridge 41 according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 47 is a first view showing the contact 66 when the front end of the toner cartridge 41 is near the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 48 is a second view showing the contact 66 deformed when the toner cartridge 41 is further advanced toward the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

Fig. 49 is a third view showing the contact 66 when the toner cartridge 41 has fully reached the rear end of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

As shown in fig. 46, the toner cartridge 41 is supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. The side wall 101 or first wall extends in the Z-direction and longitudinally in the Y-direction, and the bottom wall 102 or second wall also extends in the Y-direction. The toner cartridge 41 further includes a rear sidewall 104 or a fourth wall at one longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41, and a front sidewall 105 or a fifth wall at the other longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41. An inclined side wall 103 or second wall extends through the side wall 101 and the bottom wall 102 and meets the front side wall 105 and the rear side wall 104.

The mounting surface R1 is formed on the front side wall 105 of the toner cartridge 41 near the side wall 101. A holder 87 as a movement restricting member and a mounting detection plate 60 are provided on the mounting surface R1.

As shown in fig. 47 to 49, the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 has an abutment 61a formed by cutting and raising a part of the end of the supporting surface 62 of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61.

When the toner cartridge 41 is inserted into the storage space Sp (fig. 14), the surface S1 of the drive gear 57 may abut the surface S2 of the gear 54a, and may not smoothly move into meshing engagement with the gear 54 a. At this time, the spring 58 causes the toner cartridge 41 to move away from the position where the toner cartridge 41 should be located if the gears 57 and 54a are completely engaged with each other by about 0.5mm to 1 mm. The mounting detection plate 60 is mounted on the front side wall 105, and therefore the position at which the detection plate 60 is mounted at a position different from that of the first embodiment as shown in fig. 47 to 49.

In the third embodiment, the dimensions of the contact pieces 66a and 66b are selected so that the contact pieces 66a and 66b can reliably contact the mounting detection plate 60.

Fourth embodiment

Fig. 50 shows a first perspective view of the toner cartridge 41 according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 51 is a second perspective view of a toner cartridge according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 52 is a first perspective view of a toner cartridge supporting unit 61 according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 53 is a second perspective view of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61 according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown in fig. 50, the toner cartridge 41 is supported on the toner cartridge supporting unit 61. A side wall (not shown) or a first wall of the toner cartridge 41 extends in the Z direction and longitudinally in the Y direction, and a bottom wall 102 or a second wall also extends in the Y direction. The toner cartridge 41 further includes a rear sidewall 104 or a fourth wall at one longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41, and a front sidewall 105 or a fifth wall at the other longitudinal end of the toner cartridge 41. An angled sidewall (not shown) or second wall extends through the sidewall 101 and the bottom wall 102 and meets the front sidewall 105 and the rear sidewall 104.

The mounting surface R1 is formed on the bottom wall 102 of the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41 near the side wall 101 and the front side wall 105. A retainer 287 as a movement restricting member and a mounting detection plate 60 are provided on the mounting surface R1.

To prevent an erroneous toner cartridge 41 from being inadvertently inserted, polarizing protrusions 285 are formed on the holder 287 to protrude from the holder 287. The polarization piece 286 (fig. 53 and 60B) is provided on a part of the recess AR2 of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, closer to the rear end thereof. The polarization piece 286 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the support surface 62 of the toner cartridge support unit 61.

The holder 287 is movable relative to the toner cartridge 41 such that the polarizing protrusion 285 of the holder 287 occupies one of four predetermined restriction positions thereof formed on the toner cartridge 41, the four predetermined restriction positions being aligned in the width direction (X direction) of the toner cartridge 41. Once the holder 287 is disposed at one of its four positions, the holder 287 can only be matched to the correct toner cartridge supporting unit 61. The polarization piece 286 may be provided on one of its four predetermined positions on the recess AR2, the four positions being aligned in the width direction (X direction) of the toner cartridge 41. Once the polarization piece 286 is provided at one of its four positions in the width direction of the toner cartridge supporting unit 61, the polarization piece 286 can match only the correct toner cartridge supporting unit 61 and the body 37 of the correct image forming unit. The polarizer 286 has a groove 291 (fig. 60B) formed therein, and the polarizing protrusion 285 may pass through the groove 291. The polarized protrusion 285 has a thickness only sufficient to pass through the groove 291.

Therefore, if the above-matched polarizing protrusion 285 and polarizing member 286 are applied to the body 37 of the correct image forming unit, the toner cartridge 41 is allowed to advance into the accommodating space Sp, with the polarizing protrusion 285 not interfering with the polarizing member 286.

Next, the mounting surface R1 will be described.

Fig. 54 is a perspective view with a partially expanded view showing a toner cartridge 41 and a mounting detection plate 60 mounted on the toner cartridge 41 according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 55 is a first perspective view of the retainer 287 according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 56 is a second perspective view of the retainer 287.

Fig. 57 shows a relevant portion of the toner cartridge 41 according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 57.

Fig. 59 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in fig. 57.

Fig. 60A is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in fig. 57.

FIG. 60B is another cross-sectional view taken along line F-F in FIG. 57.

Referring to fig. 54, mounting sensing plate 60 is mounted on mounting surface R1. A rectangular recess 231 is formed in the mounting surface R1 adjacent the front side wall 105, and receives therein the mounting detection plate 60 and the retainer 287.

The mounting detection board 60 includes a board 151, a memory 152 mounted on a lower main surface of the board 151, and first and second contacts 60a and 60b formed on an upper main surface of the board 151. The first contact 60a and the second contact 60b each serve as a terminal for electrical contact.

The holder 287 is attached to the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41 so as to put the mounting detection plate 60 in place and restrict movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in the recess 231.

Referring to fig. 58, first positioning element 288 and second positioning element 289 are elevated from the floor of recess 131 and abut first edge L1 and second edge L2, respectively, of mounting detection plate 60, thereby positioning mounting detection plate 60 in the width direction (Y direction) of recess 231. Ribs 261 and 262 are formed on the bottom of concave portion 231 so as to protrude upward toward the lower main surface of plate 151 on which detection plate 60 is mounted, and extend in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of concave portion 231.

The first positioning element 288 and the second positioning element 289 extend in the longitudinal direction (X-direction) of the recess 231. As shown in fig. 58, the top of the first positioning element 288 is lower than the top of the second positioning element 289. The first positioning element 288 is a lower wall.

As shown in fig. 55, the retainer 287 has a generally U-shaped flat 297 that includes a first side 301, a second side 302, and a side 303 connecting the first and second sides. The retainer 287 also includes a polarizing protrusion 285 that is raised from the first side 301 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the flat 297.

The first column 292 or the first engaging protrusion and the second column 293 or the second engaging protrusion are cylindrical protrusions formed near the longitudinal (X-direction) ends of the retainer 287. A first post 292 projects downwardly from the first side 301 and a second post 293 projects downwardly from the second side 302. Referring to fig. 60A, four holes h21 are formed in the bottom of the recess 231. One of the holes h21 receives the first post 292 therein. An elongated hole h22 or a second engaging projection is formed in the bottom of the recess 231 to extend in the longitudinal direction of the recess 231 and receive a second column 293 therein. When the first column 292 is press-fitted into one of the four holes 21 and the column 293 is press-fitted into the elongated hole h22, the toner cartridge 41 is mounted such that the mounting detection plate 60 is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the recess 231.

In a fourth embodiment, using five apertures including four apertures h21 and an elongated aperture h22, the retainer 287 may be positioned at any of four different positions. Alternatively, the retainer 287 may be selectively positioned at more than two locations. Four additional holes may be formed instead of the elongated hole h22 such that the second post 293 is received in one of the four additional holes.

The retainer 287 has a first positioning portion 311 and a second positioning portion 316. The second positioning portion 316 is formed on a portion of the first side 301 closer to the second side 302, and protrudes toward the second side 302. The retainer 287 also has a first positioning portion 312 and a second positioning portion 315. The second positioning portion 315 is formed on a portion of the second side 302 closer to the first side 301, and protrudes toward the first side 301.

The first positioning portion 311 abuts the edge L4 of the mounting detection plate 60 and the first positioning portion 312 abuts the edge L3 of the mounting detection plate 60 such that the mounting detection plate 60 is friction fit into the space between the first positioning portions 311 and 312. The first positioning portions 311 and 312 are located approximately at the widthwise midpoints of the first side 301 and the second side 302, respectively. First positioning portions 311 and 312 abut against the bottom of concave portion 231 for positioning mounting detection plate 60 in the Z direction. As shown in fig. 56, the second positioning portions 315 and the second positioning portions 316 extend in the width direction of the retainer 287.

The first positioning element 288 abuts the first edge L1 and the second positioning element 289 abuts the second edge L2, thereby positioning the mounting detection plate 60 in the width direction of the recess 231. The first positioning portion 311 abuts the third edge L4, and the first positioning portion 312 abuts the fourth edge L3, thereby restricting movement of the attachment detection plate 60 in the longitudinal direction of the recess 231. The second positioning portion 315 abuts the third edge L3 from above, and the second positioning portion 316 abuts the fourth edge L4 from above, thereby restricting movement of the attachment detection plate 60 in the depth direction (Z direction) of the recessed portion 231. Ribs 261 and 262 abut the lower main surface of plate 151 from below, thereby positioning mounting detection plate 60 in the depth direction of recess 231.

Next, a description will be given of how the detection plate 60 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41.

The mounting detection plate 60 is located on the mounting surface R1 of the bottom wall 102 of the toner cartridge 41 and is guided into the space defined by the first positioning element 288 and the second positioning element 289. At this time, the mounting detection plate 60 is movable into contact with the ribs 261 and 262. The first positioning member 288 and the second positioning member 289 restrict movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in the width direction of the recess 231.

Subsequently, the first column 292 of the retainer 287 is press-fitted into one of the holes h21, and the second column 293 is press-fitted into the elongated hole h22, thereby mounting the retainer 287 onto the body 41a of the toner cartridge 41. In this way, the retainer 287 is positioned in the longitudinal direction and the depth direction of the recessed portion 231, thereby restricting the movement of the mounting detection plate 60 in both the longitudinal direction and the depth direction of the recessed portion 231.

Next, a description will be given of the holder 287 mounted on the toner cartridge 41 at four different positions.

Fig. 61 is a first view showing the holder 287 according to the fourth embodiment when the holder 287 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 at the first position.

Fig. 62 is a second view showing the holder 287 according to the fourth embodiment when the holder 287 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 at the second position.

Fig. 63 is a third view showing the holder 287 according to the fourth embodiment when the holder 287 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 at the third position.

Fig. 64 is a fourth view showing the holder 287 according to the fourth embodiment when the holder 287 is mounted on the toner cartridge 41 at the fourth position.

The holders 287 are mounted at different positions on the toner cartridge 41 for different color toners. For example, fig. 61, 62, 63, and 64 show the positions of the holders 287 of the toner cartridges 41 for black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. In this way, the polarizing protrusions 285 may be positioned at different locations for different colors of toner.

As described above, the holder 287 has the polarization protrusions 285 formed thereon, and thus the total cost of the toner cartridge 41 may be low.

Although the first to fourth embodiments have been described with reference to a printer, the present invention is applicable to other apparatuses including a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

Although the mounting detection plate 60 is used in the respective embodiments, the mounting detection plate 60 may be replaced with a fuse, in which case the fuse is blown when the correct toner cartridge is attached to the printer. The fuse blows to indicate that the toner cartridge is the correct one. The controller checks the status of the fuse to determine if the toner cartridge attached to the printer is the correct one of the matches, and then obtains the type of toner cartridge and other information from the toner cartridge.

Having thus described the invention, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A replaceable unit removably insertable into a device, comprising:

a mounting tab with a major surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edge and a fourth edge, the first edge being located on a side of the mounting tab opposite the second edge and the third edge being located on a side of the mounting tab opposite the fourth edge;

a body, a first detent and a second detent formed on the body and aligned along a first direction such that the first detent abuts the first edge and the second detent abuts the second edge; and

a retainer separate from and mounted in press-fit relation to said body, said retainer abutting said fourth edge and a portion of said major surface proximate said fourth edge to prevent movement of said mounting test panel relative to said body in a second direction substantially orthogonal to said major surface and in a third direction substantially parallel to said major surface,

wherein the body includes a third detent formed therein such that the third detent abuts the third edge; and

wherein the retainer includes a first abutment abutting the fourth edge and a second abutment abutting a portion of the major surface of the mounting detection plate near the fourth edge.

2. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein a distance between the first abutment and the third locating portion is longer than a distance between the third edge and the fourth edge.

3. The replaceable unit of claim 2, wherein the body includes a recess formed in a surface thereof, the recess receiving the mounting probe plate therein;

wherein the recess includes a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, a distance between the first wall and the second wall being longer than the distance between the first abutment and the third positioning portion.

4. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the body includes a recess formed therein and a projection projecting from a bottom of the recess and directly facing one of the major surfaces of the mounting sensing plate.

5. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the replaceable unit is inserted into the device in a direction parallel to the first direction.

6. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the first and second locating portions extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the first detent has a smaller height than the second detent.

8. The replaceable unit of claim 7, wherein the body extends in a longitudinal direction thereof and includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end;

wherein the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are formed on a longitudinal end portion near the first longitudinal end, and the first positioning portion is closer to the first longitudinal end than the second positioning portion.

9. The replaceable unit of claim 4, wherein the protrusion determines a distance between the mounting sensing plate and a bottom of the recess.

10. The replaceable unit of claim 8, wherein the first longitudinal end enters the device first when the replaceable unit is inserted into the device; and

wherein the mounting detection plate is disposed proximate the first longitudinal end.

11. The replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the replaceable unit is a developer material holding device.

12. An image forming apparatus incorporating the replaceable unit according to claim 1.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the image forming apparatus includes a support unit so that the replaceable unit is slidable on the support unit when the replaceable unit is inserted into the image forming apparatus.

14. A method for mounting a circuit board in a recess formed in a replaceable unit, the circuit board including a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, a fourth edge, and an electronic component mounted on the circuit board, the method comprising:

inserting the circuit board into the recess, wherein the first edge and the second edge abut against a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion, respectively, formed in a peripheral portion of the recess;

inserting the circuit board further into the recess in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are aligned, the circuit board being inserted until the third edge enters below a third positioning portion formed at a peripheral portion of the recess; and

mounting a retainer into the recess such that the retainer abuts the fourth edge and a portion of a major surface, the circuit board near the fourth edge being below the retainer.